Spinning lobotomy: A conventional content analysis of articles by the pioneers of the procedure in the United States

Abstract

Frontal lobotomy, one of the most controversial procedures of the modern era, was pioneered and promoted by Walter J. Freeman and James W. Watts in the United States. The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of bias and spin in their most impactful medical articles on lobotomy. A summative qualitative content analysis of their articles written between 1944 and 1971 reveals that, despite the lack of endorsement by the U.S. medical establishment, Freeman and Watts gave an overwhelmingly positive depiction of lobotomy along prevailing social, economic, and behavioral norms and needs. These results indicate evidence of both confirmation and social desirability bias by the authors.

Keywords

• Mental health
• Bioethics
• Narrative analysis
• History of medicine
• Social inequalities in health
• Mental health services